The Australian Open tournament director says referee Wayne McKewen and chief medical officer Tim Wood have been unfairly cast as unsympathetic to players in the wake of Melbourne's recent heatwave.

Craig Tiley's comments followed reports in London's Telegraph newspaper that a week of high temperatures and player meltdowns in Melbourne will force a change of policy from the Association of Tennis Professionals before next year's event.

The paper claims the issue will be discussed at the next ATP player council meeting in March.

Tiley said a consistent and fair playing environment was needed.

''It's important to note that the player feedback has ranged from players who wanted to stop play because of the heat to many players who did not want play to stop at all,'' he said.

''We have always, and will continue to, talk to players on both tours and look to alleviate any confusion in this process and in the players' understanding of it.''